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The Basic Responsibility of a Buddhist

A cultivator should never
lose his temper; he should be able to endure all things.

When
people come together, it is because they have affinities with one another. We
should never get mad at or scold others. That’s the worst kind of behavior. I
hope everyone will behave like a refined person and will discipline him or
herself.

Among
the six perfections, patience is the most important. If we can perfect our
patience, we will succeed in our cultivation. A cultivator should never lose
his temper; he should be able to endure all things. Everyone, please remember
the saying: “The fire of ignorance can burn down a forest of merit and virtue.”

One
of my disciples asked to repent today. Since his mistake is not a grave one, I
told him it would be enough for him to correct the error; there is no need to
repent before the assembly. The ancients said,

Ordinary
people aren’t sages;

How
could they not make mistakes?

There
is no greater goodness

Than
to be able to correct one’s mistakes.

If
you know you have done wrong, just make sure you don’t repeat the mistake in
the future. It’s said, “If one can correct the mistake, it will vanish." Even great offenses can be eradicated with repentance.
It is only to be feared that you will insist that you are right, even though
you know you are wrong. That would be totally wrong.

I am
speaking to the whole group, not to anyone in particular. If you are this kind
of situation, you should correct it right away. If there is any way in which
you don’t treat people well, then you should correct it immediately.

We
have come here because of the wholesome affinities we have planted in the past.
Without such affinities, we wouldn’t be able to get together. You should
understand this. As Buddhists, we should pay close attention to affinities.
It’s said, “Where there are affinities, people will come from a thousand miles
away to meet one another. Where there are no affinities, people won’t get
acquainted with each other even when meeting face to face.” These two sentences
make a lot of sense.

We
live in the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas together, and we should respect and
help each other. Don’t just be a bystander, who watches what is happening and
drops sarcastic remarks, but doesn’t get involved. We should learn the
Bodhisattva spirit. When living beings are in dire straits, it is as if we
ourselves were in trouble. We should find a way to rescue living beings from
the sea of suffering. This is the basic responsibility of a Buddhist. We
shouldn’t gloat over other people’s misfortunes. This is what I expect from all
of you. I hope you all have the hearts of Bodhisattvas and are willing to
sacrifice yourselves for other people.

Our
every thought should be directed towards helping Buddhism and propagating the
Dharma. We should be true Buddhists and do everything we can for the sake of
Buddhism, not fearing suffering or difficulty, and doing our best to protect
the Way-place. One who establishes merit and teachings in Buddhism is a true
disciple of the Buddha. We must be fearless and resourceful, and win every
battle. Don’t be defeated as soon as you reach the battlefield, unable to meet
challenges. If you can face tests, you’re not far from the Way.